My Fox 4 Interview

My interview aired on Fox 4 news Tuesday, Dec. 18th.  The poll they took online had to have been way off of reality.  EVERY single person I have spoken with about this agrees that intimidating children through fear (of removing their Christmas joy) is a really bad thing and teaches children all the wrong things. 

Children believe what they are told. They believe that Santa can see everything they do and will judge them for it.  Granted there are still people out there that believe in a condemning God that will judge us on everything we do. A forgiving God who let our sins go with Jesus, of course let Christians, off the hook.  Isn’t this what Christmas is supposed to be celebrating? But kids, don’t get let off so easily.  Scared Straight Santa does not forgive.

Responses I have gotten from people who saw the interview:

“Okay, I have one more thing. I think the parents of the kids who got calls should REALLY not get presents under the tree. Desperate measures are necessary at times.

Now I am done!”

“Good for You! “

“I saw this at 5pm. I agree with you - very damaging. Its sad that parents feel like that is the only way they can get the behavior they want out of kids.”

“I have never heard the radio program, but you had a very good point in that he is ignorant as to why kids act out and threatening them is tantamount to bribing, extortion, whatever. It is not a fix for the problem. It is not Santa's job to parent, it's the parent's job! You certainly are in a position to speak, not only from a professional point-of-view, but you have raised three lovely kids.”

“Melody, I watched your interview on line at work and showed our play therapists who work with traumatized children every day. They were totally supportive of you and said they planned to go home and both "vote" and write to the station.

Kudos to you for stepping out on that limb. It is astonishing what people will do for entertainment. “

“It was a thrill to see you in the news segment of Channel 4.(they ran

it several times I think) what I loved about it is how well it was done-- and how you really shone as a beacon - for the advocacy of children.

First, the setting was wonderful- in your home-- with your 3 daughters there-- gave you credibility as a Mom.

Plus, it was relaxed and real.

Then the reporter did a great job of giving you professional credibility-- with you book sitting up on the table and her saying you have written several books in this field.

Next, it was so natural the way you heard the radio segment and reacted to it. Eventually turning it off because of the way it affected the children on the phone- and then being such an advocate for those children that you stepped up and made a point to challenge what the DJ (Scary Santa) was doing every year. It was that old model of getting children to mind their parents by having "Scary Santa" threaten them with no toys for Christmas. And his defense of the premise was that they have done it as a "fun" segment for several years and no one has every complained.

Anyway, you looked gorgeous, you spoke with passion, conviction and reason and you made you point. Plus, you came across as a professional with key points for parents to consider and as a loving mom who cares about her children and all children.

I was so proud of you -- and of the station for featuring that segment -- you made a statement as a COACH about the value and worth of children. “

“I, too, saw the segment and you were awesome: Ginger pinpointed things that

I noticed, too. You made such a good presence and I liked having your family around, too. Thanks for standing up for children. My granddaughter (21) and

I saw it together and she was impressed by your stepping out to express your opinion. “

“You looked good and sounded credible. The risk on these kinds of things is that they edit away and broadcast something out of context making the interviewee look like an idiot. I guess everything you said was on target and there was no choice but to make you a credible professional. They even "summarized" your comments at the end quite well I thought. Good job for speaking out on something that meant a lot to you. “

“You got my vote, Melody! “

“You got my vote! I totally agree with you . . . unfortunately, we live in a society uneducated about the paralyzing effects of our emotional fears that are often formed before we even start school. Then we each continue to stuff our emotional baggage that shows up in every relationship we have: work, play, family, friends. Thank you for raising awareness! “

“I watched the interview and whole heartily agree with you. The fact that the radio station and Zazza think it's ok, does not mean that the act of scaring or threatening children is appropriate behavior for adults. You presented your side with strength and authority. I hope lots of people notified Fox 4 with support for you thinking, as I did. “

“I have never heard the radio program, but you had a very good point in that he is ignorant as to why kids act out and threatening them is tantamount to bribing, extortion, whatever. It is not a fix for the problem. It is not Santa's job to parent, it's the parent's job! You certainly are in a position to speak, not only from a professional point-of-view, but you have raised three lovely kids. “

I would like to start a campaign to end this nonsense throughout the country.  It’s a very bad idea and kids need to think of Christmas as a time of love and forgiveness, not condemnation